The images below are of paintings and mixed media pieces for my “Ashes to Art” project that I produced to ultimately show gratitude and help my neighborhood in Colorado Springs.

Mountain Shadows lost 347 homes and two residents in the Waldo Canyon Fire in June 2012, the most destructive fire in Colorado history. These works, that incorporate the charcoal and ash found in my yard and neighborhood, initially were for my own emotional therapy. Then, they became a way that I could use my skills to thank the firefighters and police officers and also to help my neighbors who lost everything.

This series will be auctioned off June 24th during the one-year anniversary recognition of the fire.

Any amount you can bid to help this project be a resounding success, means a lot to everyone involved.

It would be great if businesses or endowed folks would bid and gift the piece to hang as a legacy in their name. The CSFD has approved this.

For auction information, click on Colorado Springs Together website.

In the meantime, the collection will be exhibited at a number of venues so that my community can view them and share in their own healing and stories.

Many pieces are made on reclaimed doors as a symbol of Mountain Shadows rebuilding and community strength.

As a thank you for saving my home, studio, and livelihood, I’m giving a signed print to each firefighter and police officer that wants one on June 10th. It was a close call, and you guys are true heroes to my family and me.

Full profits from auction sales of this series will go to the Colorado Springs Together organization who are helping with the Mountain Shadows rebuilding efforts.

Below are links to stories and articles that have helped get the word out on this project. Visit this site for updates and project progress. And thanks for your interest.

- Steve

Colorado Expressions: May 1-17, 2013

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum: (one piece, The Monster)
May 21-June 9, 2013

Chapel Hills Mall: May 21 – June 15, 2013

Colorado Springs Airport: June 14-20, 2013